Six Ways to Prevent Varicose Veins

Six Ways to Prevent Varicose Veins

Six ways to prevent varicose veins

Although pregnancy, gender (varicose veins are more common in women) and genetics may predispose you to varicose veins, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk and prevent existing veins from getting worse:

 • Stay active: exercise improves circulation and muscle tone

• Maintain a healthy weight – the heavier you are, the more pressure you put on your veins

• Wear compression stockings

• Don’t sit or stand for prolonged periods of time (if standing, shift weight from one leg to the other every few minutes and, if sitting, stand up and move around every 30 minutes)

• Wear flats instead of heels and avoid tight, restrictive clothing

• Elevate your legs at the end of a long day